Ah,
summer is well on its way along the Coosawattee River. What a gorgeous summer it has been! While we have had some pretty warm days, the
nights are still cool and mild. Weather
like this is really the reason we live in the North Georgia mountains! When the weather is this beautiful it is
almost mandatory to get outside and enjoy it!
We
are quite fortunate to live in an area where there are so many natural
resources, natural wonders and scenic stops to enjoy. There are many day trips one can make that
result in a very enjoyable experience without breaking bank. It’s also just as important to remember the
great resources we have inside the gates of CRR. We have access to several beautiful river
parks that are ideal for picnicking, taking a stroll along the Coosawattee
River or tossing some bait and trying your luck for fresh dinner! We also have two beautiful outdoor pools to
enjoy when the mercury gets into the high 80’s and 90’s. I also understand that work on the suspension
bridge at Fishtrap is well underway and should be reopened soon to provide
better access to residents on both sides of the river to the pool and park.
Now,
while I love the resources we have in our own backyard, I also love to explore
the mountains and see all the terrific things this region has to offer. I have written before about some of my
favorite locations in the area and thought I would expand on those for my
readers that may be new to the area and learning their way around, or those
that are looking for something new to explore.
Carters
Lake – This manmade lake is only a few minutes drive to the west from the Eagle
Mountain and Main gates of CRR. This
lake features a beautiful man-made beach and tournament fishing. Don’t forget to visit the Marina for a snack
and even a color tour around the lake in the fall!
Amicalola
Falls – These are the tallest free fall waterfalls east of the Mississippi and
well worth the 30 minute drive to the east on highway 52 to view this natural
wonder. Don’t forget to drive on up the
mountain to the Lodge where you can experience amazing views and a delicious
lunch or dinner buffet.
Anna
Ruby Falls – These twin falls are located just west of Helen, GA and are about
an hour east of Ellijay. This federally
run park offers a gift shop, facilities and stunning views from the base of the
falls. Be warned, though: there is a
quarter mile hike from the ranger station UP to the falls. The walk provides pristine views of the
flowing waters down the mountain on your way to the falls. Just remember – it’s downhill on the way out!
Anna Ruby Falls
Views on the walk to Anna Ruby Falls
Lake
Nottely – This massive lake provides excellent fishing and watersports and is
located about 30 minutes north of Ellijay in Blairsville, GA. An easy ride up 515/76 out of Ellijay to
Blairsville will give you access to this beautiful body of water. There are plenty of coves and sites to behold
if you can travel the lake by boat and plenty of areas to simply view the lake
if you prefer to stay on shore.
Chatuge
Lake – Speaking of massive bodies of water, Chatuge Lake is HUGE! Chatuge spreads across north Georgia into
North Carolina and weaves in and out of the mountain valleys. Chatuge Lake is another beautiful body of
water to enjoy skiing, boating, tubing or exploring on a personal
watercraft. If you don’t have a boat
there are ample locations where they can be rented. Chatuge Lake is found by continuing up
Highway 76 from Blairsville, through Young Harris and east towards Hiawassee.
Helen,
Ga – Now Helen is not a ‘natural’ wonder, but is certainly a quaint sight to
behold. Helen is Georgia’s gateway to
the Bavarian lifestyle. The streets of
Helen and the accompanying architecture are all in Bavarian style. The town’s shops and restaurants continue the
theme with German style taverns, pubs and authentic food. After a stroll through the shops on Mainstreet
you can stop by the Troll Tavern on the East side of town for a cold lager and
watch the tubers making their way down the Chattahoochee River. Helen is about an hour and a half east of
Ellijay. There are no direct roads to Helen
from Ellijay, so grab your GPS and be prepared for a lovely drive through the
mountains.
Downtown Helen, GA
Uncle
Shuck’s Corn Maze – I suppose Uncle Shuck’s could be considered partly a
‘natural’ wonder. This is a must do for
the family in the fall and has become a tradition for us. The kids and grandkids (and us older kids) get
a kick out of exploring this 12 acre corn maze and unraveling the mysteries of
the Barnyard C.S.I. game. Uncle Shucks
is located about 45 minutes southeast of Ellijay by taking Highway 52 to 183
into Dawsonville. And, if corn mazes
excite you, you should also visit some of the smaller attractions in the area
such as Reece’s maze and the locally sponsored corn mazes in Ellijay.
Local
Apple Houses – The local apple houses will be opening soon and provide a
nostalgic look into the farm communities of North Georgia. Whether you have a hankering for some fresh
apples, apple butter or pumpkins for fall carving, you will find it all at the
various apple houses around Ellijay.
Whew! This summer has been busy and I am looking forward
to the slow transition into fall. I am
certainly hoping the fall colors are a little more brilliant than last year’s
disappointing display, but hey, there are always plenty of beautiful natural
wonders to behold along the Coosawattee River.
So, get out and enjoy this nearly perfect summer weather!
I would love to hear about and see some of your favorite locations and sights around the area. Please feel free to comment below or send me an e-mail at chrisgoodson37@gmail.com.
Till next time,
Chris
